A dream birthday bash for Portsmouth new lord mayor David

From left, outgoing Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Frank Jonas with newly-elected David Fuller and his sister and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth Leza Tremorin

Picture: Sarah Standing (160725-9115) — From left, outgoing Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Frank Jonas with newly-elected David Fuller and his sister and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth Leza Tremorin Picture: Sarah Standing (160725-9115)

Councillor David Fuller beamed with pride as he became the city’s new first citizen, taking over from two-time Lord Mayor, Frank Jonas.

The ceremony came the day after Cllr Fuller celebrated his 51st birthday and saw hundreds of people singing Happy Birthday to the Liberal Democrat representative.

Speaking at the ceremony inside the Guildhall, city council leader Donna Jones told the audience how Cllr Fuller had ‘waited a very long time’ to take on the role.

While Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson gave his colleague a glowing endorsement. David’s warmth and good nature shines through whenever you’re with him,‘ he said.

‘I know he will bring enthusiasm, kindness and generosity to this side of his job.’

Cllr Fuller accepted the role alongside his sister, Leza Tremorin, who will be Lady Mayoress for the coming year.

He has grand ambitions to raise £60,000 during his term in office for three Portsmouth charities, Help 4 Special Children, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and NHS Trust Oncology and Haematology, based in Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham.

It is hoped enough will be raised to fund a holiday home for terminally-ill and disabled children supported by Help 4 Special Children.

It will also pay for a new blood testing machine for QA and support a number of projects for the RNRMC.

Cllr Fuller said he was excited to do everything he could to support the city.

‘I am honoured and proud to be the Lord Mayor,’ he said.

‘I will try to always do my best. I want to reach out to as many people in the city.’

During his acceptance speech, Cllr Fuller paid tribute to his predecessor, Cllr Jonas, who has said had set ‘a wonderful example’ while in the role.

Likewise, Cllr Jones spoke of her admiration for Cllr Jonas and his wife, Lady Mayoress Patricia Jonas, who between them have attended some 800 engagements over the past year.

The new Lord Mayor’s first role in office was to present civic awards to Andrew Pearce, Jean Stanford, Tom Morton and David Stemp for their dedication to the city.

He also handed Peter Marcus – a student on Highbury College’s journalism course based in The News – a Youth Civic Award for his years of voluntary work.

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